Here is yet another indication of Hamas savagery. Despite all the propaganda about Israelis targeting civilians, when it comes down to action the FAA knows which side is actually targeting civilians. Thus all flights from the United States to Israel are suspended for 24 hours. And we shall see if they resume even then.
“FAA bans American flights to Israel for 24 hours,” by Niv Elis, Jerusalem Post, July 22, 2014:
The US Federal Aviation Authority on Tuesday banned US flights from traveling to and from Ben Gurion Airport for 24 hours after a Hamas rocket landed in Yehud, near Ben Gurion Airport, earlier in the day.
“The FAA immediately notified US carriers when the agency learned of the rocket strike and informed them that the agency was finalizing a [Notice to Airmen]” prohibiting the flights.
American aviation companies Delta, United said they were suspending flights to Israel “indefinitely,” while the Israel Airports Authority confirmed that US Airways had suspended flights for the night.
Delta diverted flight 468 from JFK with 273 passengers and 17 crew, Paris-Charles de Gaulle “after reports of a rocket or associated debris near the airport in Tel Aviv,” and said that it was working to re-accommodate its customers.
While the FAA does not have jurisdiction over European or other international air carriers, the decision may lead to other cancellations.
“As soon as the FAA gives such an order to US carriers, in most cases it’s a domino effect, and most European carriers will be forced to suspend their flights,” said an industry source. “This is a huge coup for Hamas.”
Transportation Minister Israel Katz called on American aviation companies to return to normal functioning, stressing that Ben-Gurion airport was safe from for take-offs and landings, and that there was no security concern for passenger planes.
“There is no reason for the American companies to stop their flight and give a prize to terror,” he said.
Tourism accounts for about 5% of Israel’s exports, and has already declined as a result of the rocket fire from Gaza.
On Monday, the state department issued a travel warning recommending “that US citizens consider the deferral of non-essential travel to Israel and the West Bank,” but noted that “Ben Gurion Airport is currently open and commercial flights are operating normally, although delays and cancellations can occur.”
Though the Iron Dome missile defense system has managed to shoot down about 90% of rockets headed toward populated or strategic areas, the decision was likely fueled by the recent downing of a Malaysian plan in Ukraine, likely by pro-Russian rebels.
The rocket which landed in the courtyard of a home in Yehud on Tuesday, causing damage and leaving two people lightly injured, marked the first direct hit in the greater Tel Aviv area since the Gaza operation began more than two weeks ago.
John C. Barile says
I have no doubt that HAMAS wants surface-to-air antiaircraft missiles, and that Iran would, if it could, eagerly supply them. Or that HAMAS cells in the West Bank desire shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles to target Israeli/international air traffic.
AnneM says
Soon all airlines are going to have to go the way of EL AL which includes on their jet airliners missel rockets.
Angemon says
You know, i wouldn’t be surprised if Hamas had watched the international reaction to the shooting of the MH17 and were trying to blow up a plane just to blame it on Israel.
shortfattexan says
If an airliner were to be blown up in Israel or Gaza now, you know the international media would blame it on the Israelis no matter what the facts were.
cookiebaker says
I tried to do something yesterday.Calling ,both of my Democrat Senators.One office is staffed by an argumentative fellow that relishes in being disagreeable. By”correcting ” a “fact” he does not like.Charming.
I also called Harry Reid`s office.I told them I hope that campaign contributions will dry up from a certain group after this. With the U.S. obvious taking of sides.And what about the others side ,total flaunting of the Geneva convention. And basic human decency.I asked?
I did not get more than a “standard” reply.
Prinz Eugen says
State Dept. teen-looking blond bimbo (what, a Caucasian in gov’t?) claims the cancellation of flights NOT political. but no one thought to ask, “who did make that decision?” Was it the night janitor, the mail room go-fer, who? Everything
that mullah Barak Hussein says or does is political — that is why he need no discuss or negotiate with the GOP, but must aid and abet his worldwide communist and islamic allies. If he could get transportation, Barak might have south and central third worlders invading Israel, too!
Here is a suggestion — shells landing in Gaza, then why not end all supplies and money going to the misplaced Jordanian terrorists there?
Congress must wake up and start to OPPOSE all this WH subversion and lawbreaking!